Personally, I think Ron Paul's supporters punished Ron Paul.

Honestly his followers are often just downright creepy in their devotion.

I agree, a lot of them are. But not all of them. Some of them are quite thoughtful and rational people.

I would presume so but electing a president who wants to quickly and drastically cut the federal budget would:

A) Fail because they don't control the budget

or

B) Cause the total collapse of the US economy if it where to be suddenly enacted.